Sweet additions: chocolate, vanilla and dried fruits
Leavening agents: Baking powder and baking soda
Baking powder and baking soda help make dough rise and are essential components in the science of baking. You can store these ingredients for nine to 12 months in a cool dry place. "Replace baking soda if it's been exposed to high humidity," says Rosenberg.
Vanilla
Wondering if it's worth the splurge to pick up real vanilla extract? "Pure vanilla extract is far superior in flavour," says Rosenberg. "There really is no comparison to artificial, which is synthetically produced and one-dimensional."
And there's no need to worry that your splurge will be wasted, since pure vanilla extract has a long shelf life of 24 to 36 months.
Baking powder and baking soda help make dough rise and are essential components in the science of baking. You can store these ingredients for nine to 12 months in a cool dry place. "Replace baking soda if it's been exposed to high humidity," says Rosenberg.
Vanilla
Wondering if it's worth the splurge to pick up real vanilla extract? "Pure vanilla extract is far superior in flavour," says Rosenberg. "There really is no comparison to artificial, which is synthetically produced and one-dimensional."
And there's no need to worry that your splurge will be wasted, since pure vanilla extract has a long shelf life of 24 to 36 months.
Chocolate
Stock up on chocolate -- if you can resist eating up your inventory. Rosenberg suggests buying bittersweet, semi-sweet and unsweetened baking squares in advance, but to hold off on the more tempting varieties.
"I recommend buying milk and white chocolate as required -- otherwise they might get eaten before you need them." She also sings the praises of chocolate chips. "High quality semi-sweet chocolate chips are always good to have on hand for last-minute cookies."
Cocoa
Don't just grab the first container of cocoa you see. "I recommend Dutch Processed cocoa powder for its deep brown colour and mellow flavour. It's not as bitter as non-alkalized cocoa," says Rosenberg.
Nuts and dried fruits
A variety of tasty extras elevate humdrum holiday recipes to family favourites. Rosenberg adds dried fruit such as raisins, apricots, currants and cranberries to keep things interesting.
And don't forget the nuts. Almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts are mainstays in many a festive dish, but feel free to substitute your favourites. You can buy nuts early and store them in the freezer until needed. And if the baking season ends and you find you've got lots of leftover nuts and dried fruit, you can make yourself a healthy snack of homemade trail mix or just sprinkle them on your cereal for an added kick.
With a pantry full of supplies, it's time to break out your favourite recipes, pre-heat the oven and kick off the holiday season with a day of baking. Just don't be surprised if your entire family meets in the kitchen to help sample the results.
Not sure what to bake first? Any of these classic cookies will be an instant hit around the holidays.
Page 2 of 2
Stock up on chocolate -- if you can resist eating up your inventory. Rosenberg suggests buying bittersweet, semi-sweet and unsweetened baking squares in advance, but to hold off on the more tempting varieties.
"I recommend buying milk and white chocolate as required -- otherwise they might get eaten before you need them." She also sings the praises of chocolate chips. "High quality semi-sweet chocolate chips are always good to have on hand for last-minute cookies."
Cocoa
Don't just grab the first container of cocoa you see. "I recommend Dutch Processed cocoa powder for its deep brown colour and mellow flavour. It's not as bitter as non-alkalized cocoa," says Rosenberg.
Nuts and dried fruits
A variety of tasty extras elevate humdrum holiday recipes to family favourites. Rosenberg adds dried fruit such as raisins, apricots, currants and cranberries to keep things interesting.
And don't forget the nuts. Almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts are mainstays in many a festive dish, but feel free to substitute your favourites. You can buy nuts early and store them in the freezer until needed. And if the baking season ends and you find you've got lots of leftover nuts and dried fruit, you can make yourself a healthy snack of homemade trail mix or just sprinkle them on your cereal for an added kick.
With a pantry full of supplies, it's time to break out your favourite recipes, pre-heat the oven and kick off the holiday season with a day of baking. Just don't be surprised if your entire family meets in the kitchen to help sample the results.
Not sure what to bake first? Any of these classic cookies will be an instant hit around the holidays.
Page 2 of 2
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